Approximately 900 United Steelworkers union (USW) members employed at Rexam Beverage Can North America Company began two Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strikes at 12:01 a.m. (local times) on April 10 at nine locations following the company’s rejection of counterproposals made by the union on April 9.
The employees have twice rejected Rexam’s previous contract proposals by secret ballot referendum votes, the last time on April 4.
“The members have been emphatic in telling us that health care is too costly for both active employees and future retirees, and the company has not done enough to meaningfully address their concerns,” said USW International vice president Fred Redmond, chief negotiator for the union.
“In addition, the company’s conduct at all locations has undermined the bargaining process, making it impossible to reach a settlement that the members will ratify. The union will be filing Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.”
The two labor agreements expired on February 24, and USW members had been working under contract extensions. The master agreement covers 730 workers at plants located at
